Security is being beefed up in Gunnedah with more closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) expected to be rolled out in the business district.
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Councillor John Campbell said additional cameras were earmarked for parts of the town centre.
It followed the federal grant of nearly $50,000 for six cameras on Conadilly Street earlier this year.
CCTV was one of the topics discussed by the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group, which Cr Campbell was part of. The group, chaired by Cr Colleen Fuller, supported by fellow councillor Murray O’Keefe, met last week for the first time since election of the new council.
Cr Campbell, a former Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club assistant manager, backed the implementation of more cameras after first-hand experience in his previous employment.
“We had cameras and there were occasions when police asked us to download footage,” he said.
“[Cameras] won’t stop crime happening but they help get a result if it does.”
Local police briefed the group about the Dob in a Dealer campaign which targeted drug crime in the community. Police were keen to allay community concerns “nothing was being done”, stressing investigations behind the scenes were ongoing.
Alcohol-free zones, domestic and family violence were also on the agenda.
Mayor Jamie Chaffey was thrilled to see Councillor Fuller head the group.
“I am delighted that Councillor Fuller has been re-elected unopposed to this very important working group,” Cr Chaffey said in a statement. “Her contributions made in the previous term have been recognised and we look forward to her positive leadership over the next term.”
Gunnedah’s crime prevention group was established in 2000. It was a big driver behind grants and important projects like the Gunny Get You Home Safe initiative. The group will work alongside a range of community services including the police, PCYC, family and youth support and Gunnedah council. Cr Fuller could not be contacted for comment.
